Throwback Thursday: 60s Style

Last month during Catholic Schools Week, each day consisted of a different dress-up opportunity. The Thursday of CSW was "throwback day" and the kids could pick an outfit based on a specific decade. I "helped" the kids pick the 60s knowing it would be easy (duh!) and convenient to work Annika's cast into her outfit.

We had tie dye coming out of our ears with this one, but I think everyone will agree that they looked pretty darned adorable! Groooooovy, man!

School Talent Show 2019

Yesterday, the kids' school had its annual talent show, which is part of Catholic Schools Week, and what a show it was! The show is always on Student Appreciation Day, which this year, was their "crazy clothes day", too. Mix and match those patterns, my loves! MIX AND MATCH!

As you may recall, dear readers, that for past shows, our children have demonstrated such talents as singing while doing a headstand, whistling, making banana bread, and doing a stand-up comedy routine with a puppet. This year, Conor opted to demonstrated how to make a few balloon sculptures and Annika (pre-broken arm) planned to do a little Irish dancing). Once we got word that Annika would be able to avoid surgery on her arm (wooo hooo!!!), we recruited her to be Conor's assistant for his routine. Ta da!!

Conor (with a little guidance from home and with OK from his principal) opted to make a balloon heart and two different swords. He practiced very hard on his creations (the hills of balloon corpses left scattered around our home is a testament to his practice!) and what he could say during his act. 

When it came time for them to take the stage, the kids were amazing!! Conor adeptly created the heart and amazed all of the kids in the audience. (His deadpan instructions were probably the piece de resistance of the routine, if I'm being 100% honest.!! Without trying to, Conor embodied the comedian Steven Wright to a T.) Conor then moved on to the more difficult of the two swords (the trident sword) and really showed how much poise he has ... and Annika provided a great deal of moral support. We prepped way more balloons than we thought he'd need, but he wound up needing every one of those balloons because more than ever before popped during the sculpting process. Much to Conor's credit, the popping balloons didn't phase him or ruffle his feathers. He simply tossed the popped balloons aside and started over. Meanwhile, Annika would lean in to the mic to explain that "even if a balloon pops, that's ok! Just try again. It just gives you more practice!"

After quite a few attempts, Conor conquered his trident sword and (out of a sense of generosity?) opted to throw it to the audience, which basically created a mob that surged for the stage. As the the teachers jumped in and got the crowd back to their seats, the kids were still on stage with Conor at the mic saying "No! No! I'm not done yet!" (By this point, I was shaking with laughter... tears streaming down my face!)

He finished his next sword and, apparently not learning from the first time, also threw it into the crowd .... creating another balloon-focused mob rush toward the stage. The teacher, once again, jumped into defensive mode and got the kids wrangled and back under control. I'm pretty sure my laughter subsided around 10 minutes later after the last acts wrapped up. (Best ab workout ever!)

We are incredibly proud of our kids for having the courage to stand on stage in front of their entire school. They had poise, charisma, humor, and a great rapport. 

To our sweet performers, you two did a fantastic job!! We love you and are impressed by your bravery and love your creativity!

Hanging out with Alan Alda

So, did I tell you that I met Alan Alda last month?? No? Oh!! Well, sit down and I'll fill you in.

I don't think it is any sort of secret that I grew up in a MASH-loving home. Even long after the show was off the air, my brother and I would sit together watching episodes. I'm not talking right after the show was off the air. I mean going on 15 years after the show was done, we were still watching the show together. If we happened to turn on the TV and found a rerun playing (and, let's face it, there was a time in our not-too-distant past that there was ALWAYS a MASH rerun on!) we'd compete to figure out who could name the episode the fastest once it began or by watching the still images shown during the closing credits (if we missed the actual episode). 

My admiration of Alan Alda's work isn't strictly for his work on MASH (although, that was the beginning of it). I've admired his portrayal of countless characters, both on the big screen and on TV. Heck, I learned how to core a head of iceberg lettuce from him in the movie "Sweet Liberty". I kid you not!!

A number of years ago, Alan Alda was in town while promoting his memoir "Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: and Other Things I've Learned". Naturally, I went to the reading and was nothing but incredibly impressed with his way of interacting with the audience and his personable nature. At the end of the reading portion, he signed copies of his book. I bought 2 copies -- one for me and one for my brother Troy and asked for the inscription to read "Merry Christmas, Troy. Alan Alda". 

Fast forward to last month. I got a call out of the blue from Troy saying that we were going to a VIP reception with (and for) Alan Alda, who was in town to promote another book he wrote. I was floored and (yes, I'll admit it) giddy! After the reception, we'd get to hear Alan Alda speak to the audience about his book that discusses effective communication.

The next day, Troy and I met at a small Mercer Island restaurant, had a quick bite to eat, and headed to the reception. After wandering around a bit looking for the right building, we got to go right in and bypass the non-VIP people (tee hee hee... we were VIPs!) and join the other VIPs at the reception. We walk in and BAM! There was Alan Alda sitting at a table signing books. Troy and I giggled about how many times he must write his name during one of these events and how tired (bored?) he looked.... not to mention what his internal monologue must have been.

Waiting in line to meet Alan Alda

Hey, look!! It's Alan Alda!

We received our copies of his book and joined the line of others waiting for their turn to get their books signed. As we neared the table, I have to admit my giddy-o-meter when from "holy moly" to off the charts. 

Before too long (the line was kept moving at a really good pace), it was our turn to have our books signed. I told Alan (yea, we are totally on a first name basis now) that being there was my brother's birthday present to me. He (Alan, not Troy) very sweetly wished me a happy birthday. (YES! Alan Alda wished me a happy birthday.... booyah!) I also told him this was the second time I was at one of his readings, which (according to Troy) put a genuine smile on Alan's face. Pet Troy, he seemed touched that I was a repeat audience member! We shook hands, and then moved along... me with my feet a good 6-8 inches off of the ground.

Signed books selfie

Following the reception, we were ushered to the larger area where the presentation/interview would take place. Troy secured us some great seats earlier while I held our place in the book signing line, so we were probably no more than 10-15 feet away from the stage and dead center. During the interview, a local Seattle Times reporter and Alan talked about his work with scientists and researchers to help medical professional and other scientists improve their communication skills, especially when conversing with non-scientists and patients. 

Hey, look! It's Alan Alda

Mid-interview

Sharing a story with the sudience

Thank you, Troy, for a truly wonderful evening. Yes, it was amazing to interact with Alan Alda (squee!) and listen to him speak (in person), but beyond that, sharing the experience with you means the world. You know me well enough to know that event would make me beyond happy and it would give us yet another moment to reflect back on with fondness and smiles. Also, thank you to Eric and Staci for being willing to take care of our respective kids solo so Troy and I could have a night out. 

Blackberry Picking and Conor's Funny

Part of Annika's 10th birthday was spent walking up and down the Urban Trail on a hunt for blackberries.

The kids and I were each armed with a 1-gallon plastic bag for our blackberry haul... and boy, did we have a haul. In about an hour, we wound up with 6 pounds of blackberries! We are quite the berry-picking trio, if you ask my humble opinion.

While were were among the berries, vines, and thorns, I figured we'd done a thorough job picking in our current ares, so suggested we move down to another section along the trail. Conor replied, "Why? Do you think there are berries down there, too?" I explained, "Yup! I'm pretty sure there will be. Let's go look." His response? "Mom ... that was a RHETORICAL question." (Lord help us all!)

Conor evaluating the berries

Our little berry pickers

Annika was very happy to go off of the beaten path for some good berries

Pickin, pickin, just keep pickin

You KNOW I had to make a pie!! 

Weekend of Brothers Recap

Last Saturday was the weekend of brothers. In an interesting twist of calendar fate, Eric and I both had the opportunity to see our brothers. Why is this interesting? Well, because I hadn't seen one of my brothers (and their respective families) in 2 years and I think it had been close to that since Eric last saw his brother.

As technology progresses, it is incredibly easy to keep in touch with people who live far away.... such as our brothers. One of my brothers lives in Germany and Eric's brother lives in Texas. We keep in touch using tools such as text, video chats, and emails, but nothing quite replaces the face-to-face time we got with our siblings this weekend.

Over the weekend, Eric and John caught up, chatted (do guys chat??), and played computer games (shocker, I know!) while laughing like they probably did when they were kids playing together. I loved listening to their laughs and good-nature jabs as they played together. They don't get enough time in the same room for the most part, but they really do make the most of what time they do get.

In order to see my brother, I had to ditch Eric's side of the family for a few hours (sorry, everyone!) but there are times when situations like this are unavoidable. Saturday was one of those days! Mid-afternoon, the kids and I piled in my van to drive to my (local) brother's house so we could spend some with my not-local brother. This visit was particularly important to me because it was the first time I'd spent in-person time with my brother since his strokes late last year. I knew he was doing really well and has had an amazing recovery; we text and talk on the phone, so I knew (at an intellectual level) that he had really bounced back from the experience. That said, there was still a great sense of importance to being in the same room with him and really SEEING how well he was (is) doing. I guess there was still a small part of me that worried I'd missed something about his health and only seeing him in person would ease that worry.

So, darn you calendar for giving us our brothers on the same day so we had to divide and conquer to see them, but thank you for the opportunity to spend some much-needed, much-appreciated face time with them.

Mama and Kiddos Roadtrip to Sagle

Last week, the kids and I packed up our gear and hit the road to visit my sister and brother-in-law at their cabin in Idaho. (OK, I did the packing, but Annika and Conor were definitely in the car with me!)

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Eric wasn't able to join in on the fun this go around ... I don't know HOW he could possibly pass up 6+ hours in the car ... each way... with our kids in exchange for a quiet house, no squabbles, and no one to tattle on anyone else!

Pit stop in Ellensburg

Pit stop selfie

On our way to Idaho, I decided to make a bit of an unplanned stop at the Wile Horses Monument, which is located just east of Vantage, WA. Ever since I was a little girl, I'd wanted to stop and see the horses up close, but never (a) took the time if I was the driver or (b) didn't have the opportunity as the passenger. This was my chance and I took it! Unfortunately, we weren't wearing the ideal footwear for a hike up a rather steep, sandy, gravely hill ... tennis shoes would have been MUCH better than our flip flops (DUH). Regardless, we conquered the hill in the blazing sun (it was MIGHTY HOT) and smokey air (seems like practically our whole state is burning these days). When we got to the top, the view was limited (see smoke reference) but still incredibly impressive. Seeing the horse statues up close didn't disappoint; the graffiti on the horses did disappoint me, though. The kids enjoyed the opportunity to burn off some energy and find all sorts of neat rocks along the path.

Headin' up the trail

Annika and her volcanic rock

"See my rock, Mama??"

The kids with the horses

Vantage bridge (and smoke) backdrop

 After our spur-of-the-moment hike, we were back in the car and continuing our journey east ... east .. east. Eventually, we made it to the cabin and I could immediately feel myself start to unwind. Nothing like seeing the lake to ease your breathing and heart rate. It really is one of my zen places.

Over the next few days, the kids spent countless house in the lake swimming, doing flips off of the dock, taking the peddle boat out for a few spins, and playing all sorts of made-up games. While they were having the times of their lives, I was soaking up the time with my sister and brother-in-law. We live too far apart in my opinion, so sharing air and the same space with my sister is something I truly cherish.

Speaking of my brother-in-law, Randy was truly amazing with the kids. He is incredibly engaging and takes the time to make them feel special and cherished. He took them to the marina for ice cream/popsicles, they went on walks, and the took them out on the peddle boat just for fun.

1st mate Annika, ready for boating

Conor chillaxing in the hammock

Happy hammock girl

Off to the marina with Uncle Randy

Sunset at the cabin

Peddle boat kiddos

On the 3rd day of our trip, it was time for Randy to head home for work, so he and Suzanne drove from the cabin to Pullman (to drop off a car with our nephew at WSU) and then drove to the airport in Spokane. Because Suzanne was going to be gone for the vast majority of the day, I decided that was the perfect opportunity to take the kids to Schweitzer. On our way to Schweitzer, we stopped in Sandpoint to pick up some supplies (aka my annual allotment of Pend Orielle Winery pinot grigio), poke around a few shops, and have lunch at Jalapenos restaurant.

My brother (Troy) and his family went there about two weeks prior, which is what inspired me to trek up the mountain with the kids. Little did I know how many summertime activities were there! There was a rock climbing wall, a swing set, giant checker and chess games, a zip line, horseback riding (8 year minimum age, so we didn't go), and a ski lift that took people up to the summit. I'd hoped to get some great photos of the lake from our higher vantage point, but (once again) the smoke proved that my plans don't always end up working out. Big picture... oh well!

Annika scaling the rock wall

Conor scaling the swing set's climbing wall

Sayin' hi to the horses

Our little gold diggers

Heading up the ski lift

Summit, here we come!

Creek from the ski lift

Lookin' back down as we went up, up, up

We made it to the summit!

A post-summit game of giant checkers

On our way back to the cabin after exploring Schweitzer, the kids and I stopped in Sandpoint for some much-deserved ice cream (gelato, to be exact). It was a lovely way to wrap up a fun day adventuring together.

Back at the cabin, the kids enjoyed some more lake time while Suzanne and I enjoyed our dinner of goat cheese and pistachios served on crackers... we live the life at the cabin, let me tell you!!

The rest of our time at the cabin was spent doing much more of the same ... relaxing, taking in the gorgeous view, chatting, playing games, and swimming. It really couldn't have been more ideal (except if Eric had been there with us ... THAT would have made it perfect-o!)

Before I knew it, we were packing up and heading back home. I'm not saying there were tears when I hugged my sister good-bye ... oh wait ... who am I kidding??? Saying goodbye to her is never easy, especially when we don't have our next visit already on the calendar. After a few extra hugs, I wiped my eyes, sucked in as much lake air as my lungs could hold, and pointed the van homeward. The drive home was smokey but easy. The kids were so tuckered out from their 4+ days of playing in the lake that they were incredibly mellow the entire drive home... much fewer "are we there yet?" moments. Plus, we were all excited to be reunited with Eric!

Home sweet home. Cabin sweet cabin.

2015 Photo Challenge: Week 3

I'm still plugging away at the March photo challenge put forth by the Mamas with Cameras photo group and am really enjoying myself. I've done well sticking with my 50mm prime lens and have gotten a few cases of the giggles while contorting myself to get shots framed as I want them. I think I've created a new mashup... yoga + photography = yotography!

What was in front of my lens this week? Take a peek!

Lemon Drop

Shoe tying cooperation

Neighborhood Watchcat

Cherry Blossoms

Good morning, Seattle

Coming in for landing

Taking some time to stop and smell the daffodils

Our Surprise Concert

A few nights ago, Eric and I were doing our usual evening puttering around the house as we took care of little tasks and chores. Little did we know that the kids were up to something in the front room.

As I sorted socks and folded laundry, Annika and Conor were busily preparing a musical concert for us. Not only did they plan the music, they also took care of creating a legitimate venue. They commandeered a roll of birthday wrapping paper and taped it to the wall so they had a proper background. They also built a mini stage (about 2" off of the ground) using building blocks and books. No detail was left unattended to ... they even had glasses of water and bowls of clementine oranges on the coffee table, so their concert goers (aka Eric and me) had refreshments available during the musical performance. The piece de resistance was the handwritten invitation for us to attend a "?" in the front room. (They wanted to keep the performance a surprise as long as possible.) Impressed? So were we!

Not only were their preparations impressive, so was their ability to work together to accomplish a rather sizable project as a team. Not once during their preparations did we hear them argue or express frustration with each other. They were so quiet, we had no clue what they were up to.

Without further ado.... I give you Annika (on ukulele) and Conor (on drums)!!

Sibling Dinner at Morton's Steakhouse

Recently, my sister Suzanne) and her husband (Randy) were in town, partially because he had business here and partially as a pit stop on their way to their cabin. While they were in town, Suzanne, our sister-in-law (Staci), and I celebrated Suzanne's recent birthday (way to be a deck of cards, Suzanne!) by having lunch at The Barking Frog and then sampling some of the offerings from the tasting rooms in Woodinville. It was a marvelous, low-key, laughter-filled afternoon together. We ate marvelous food (although waited an insane amount of time for a black napkin, but oh well) and tried many tasty wines. The three of us shared a tasting at three different tasting rooms, so we got some lovely wines to sample, but not so much that we were stumbling through Woodinville.

A garden by The Barking Frog

Suzanne and Staci

Suzanne and Staci... up close and personal (and at a diagonal)

The slough reflecting the beautiful sky

A big dragonfly statue near the slough

The next day, we had a siblings' dinner out with my brother (Troy), Staci, Suzanne, Randy, Eric, and me. Suzanne and Randy suggested we eat at Morton's, which sounded great to the rest of us. We got all spiffed up and headed downtown.

Morton's is an old-school steak house, and I'm a little surprised we didn't see the likes of Al Capone and someone who goes by the nickname of Bugsy or Tiny Timmy Tuna at one of the nearby tables. Being a Tuesday evening, the restaurant was fairly empty, which meant there weren't many people for our loud, uproarious laughter to disturb... and we didn't have to wait long for our food. We told stories, reminisced, teased, joked, and acted like the goofballs that we truly are. It was such fun to reconnect with each other and just be together for a couple of hours.

When the topic of appetizers came up, we all agreed that a little nibble would be nice. Troy asked if anyone else would like to share a plate of oysters. Umm... nope!! Not a single taker, so he ate it all on his own. For every "mmmmm!!!" that escaped from Troy, an "ick", "blech", or "gag" was returned. As for dinner, everyone agreed that we ordered well. Eric and I both ordered the same thing: a plate that had filet mignon (YUM!), prawns, and bacon-wrapped scallops. Oh my... that's all I can say. Just oh my.... :)

Unfortunately for us (probably a good thing for the employees at the restaurant), our sibling dinner was on a work night, so we couldn't stay out gabbing as long as we probably would have had we gone out on a weekend. It was hard to pull ourselves away, but knowing work and waking up early were around the bend, we eventually said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways.

Due to rather convoluted reasons that aren't overly blog-worthy, Eric and I wound up driving Suzanne and Randy's car to the restaurant, so they could drive it to Idaho the next morning. Not wanting to drive two cars downtown, I suggested that Eric and I just take a cab or the like home. We wound up trying out Uber car and cannot say enough about it. We used the app to summon a car (wow - how snooty did THAT sound?) and a driver picked us up within 5 minutes. We could even see his car approach on the app's map. The car was impeccably clean, the driver was very courteous, and we were home in a snap. All in all, a wonderful experience.

Staci and Troy... so cute!

Randy and Troy ... da photobombers of Morton's

One guess who does and doesn't like oysters!

This is what happens when Suzanne is emphatic about her topic of conversation

What a sharp lookin' group!

Staci wanted in on the photobombing action, too

Troy, aka the peace sign photo bomber, with Suzanne and Randy